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JohnK
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| Posted: August 22 2004 at 2:40pm | IP Logged
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I found this as a post on another board and asked the author if he would mind having it reformated as an article and posted here. It's well written and describes the problems and solutions he ran into over the course of 150,000+ rounds on the press.
http://www.handloads.com/articles/default.asp?id=26
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joed
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| Posted: August 22 2004 at 4:13pm | IP Logged
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That speaks very highly for the press, and is about what I expected. I have about 9k on my 550B and only had 1 problem, I hope I can get to 153k with no other problems.
I've learned one thing with progressives, if you want volume it seems no one can surpass Dillon. But the other presses seem to work very well.
Very good article. Now I'd like to see one on the Hornady.
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Jonah
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| Posted: September 05 2004 at 6:35pm | IP Logged
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Peter,
Good article. I enjoyed it. Been loading on a Pro 2000 since Dec. 2002 and think highly of the press. Don’t keep count of rounds loaded to date, but probably 12000 to 15000.
Only problems I have had were my fault and not the presses. Broke the detents and pusher. Totally my fault. Called RCBS, parts in mail in 2 days, no cost.
One thing never mentioned by anyone is that by removing the cam that activates the primer strip, the press can be used as a single stage press, advancing the primer strip by hand. Handy thing to know even if you never use it. One comment about the Dillon 650 being a 6 station press is incorrect. It is only 5 stations.
The Pro 2000 comes with the Uniflow powder measure and both drums, large and small. It also comes with the APS Strip Loader to reload the APS primer strips.
I agree with the comments about the spent primer tube. I tap mine every once in a while to make sure it’s clear. Wish the tube came out behind the press instead of in front of it. If you ever have trouble with the APS system not working, it is probably dirty and just needs to be taken apart every 2000 to 3000 rounds and clean it out. Not a big problem.
I do wish that the die plate held all 5 dies instead of one being on the press. Can be worked around, but I do not use the fixed station for the powder measure. Instead, I use a lock out die or powder check die in that location.
The thumb screw on the powder measure activation system will stay tighter if a lock washer is used under the screw. I have toyed with installing a set screw to hold the thumb screw tight, but it hasn’t been enough of a problem that I have done it yet.
For those individuals with a lathe, have access to a lathe or know a friendly machine shop, it is a simple matter to make an adapter for use with the Uniflow powder measure that will expand the case mouth and automatically dispense powder through the die at the same time. Using the RCBS powder bushing as a pattern, a new bushing is turned with the proper diameters on the bottom to expand and bell the case mouth while at the same time activating the powder measure. For those loading multiple calipers, a more versatile adapter can be made that utilizes the multiple expander tips provided with the Lyman through powder die.
I use the following setup: Station 1, size case and deprime; Station 2, expand case mouth and automatically dispense powder; Station 3, powder check die or lock out die; Station 4, seat bullet; Station 5, crimp bullet.
I have worked with a friend trying to get his new Dillon 650 to work properly. Several parts have broken. It’s been a nightmare. He is sending the press back to Dillon to get it working properly. Would I buy a Dillon 650? Not after this experience. Would I buy another Pro 2000? You betya, in a heart beat.
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mlspmk
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| Posted: September 06 2004 at 6:02am | IP Logged
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Some of you may have already seen these photos, but here's my Pro2000 being setup: click here
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Jonah
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| Posted: December 24 2004 at 6:06am | IP Logged
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One other modification I just made I thought some of you may be interested in. I drilled a 5/16" hole in the die plate just behind station 5 . There is a round depression there probably from a riser if the plates are cast. Make a plate up with a 5/16" tapped hole in it. Cut the head off of a 5/16" bolt and screw it into the hole. Place the die plate on the bolt and mark a hole location at the location of one of the retaining pin holes in the die plate and drill a 1/8" hole at that location for a 1/8" pin and drive it into the 1/8" hole. This will keep the die plate from rotating. I made my plate to hold 2 die plates full of dies and with a Uniflow powder measure installed. Since I use the powder measure in station 2, this allows me to rapidly set up for three different cartridges. This is kind of a copy of Dillon's tool head holder.
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Shooterdean
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| Posted: March 25 2005 at 4:18pm | IP Logged
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If you are breaking parts and having trouble figuring out a dillon 650, it sounds like an operator problem. I've used both presses, the Pro 2000 and a 650. I still own the 650, the Pro 2000 was just too much trouble to use. I have been loading on a 650 since 1999, NEVER had a single problem that wasnt operator induced. I have worn out some parts, replaced with a call to Dillon, NEVER blown a primer, NEVER had a single load related problem that wasnt my own fault. The machine works perfect. The Pro 2000 is a good machine, my worked well, but the 650 is much more automated in use hence faster. Would I buy another 2000? No, would I buy another 650? No, I bought a 1050 instead:)
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joed
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| Posted: March 25 2005 at 5:07pm | IP Logged
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mlspmk wrote:
| Some of you may have already seen these photos, but here's my Pro2000 being setup: click here |
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Says I'm not a member and won't let me look at the photos.
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mlspmk
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| Posted: March 25 2005 at 6:37pm | IP Logged
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Sorry Joe,
try this link: http://community.webshots.com/scripts/misc.fcgi?action=invit ePickup&uri=album/76798483enuJXY webshots
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joed
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| Posted: March 26 2005 at 8:28am | IP Logged
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Shooterdean, how is the 1050? I looked at that one but caliber changes look like they'd be a bear. Thought real hard on it and wanted the 650 instead. Dillon talked me out of it and into the 550. So far no complaints, it produces a good quantity of ammo faster then I use it.
I must be getting better at using the 550 too. Originally I was putting out 350 rounds an hour. Lately I've noticed I'm over 400 rounds an hour and not even pushing it.
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joed
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| Posted: March 26 2005 at 8:36am | IP Logged
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From my records I noticed I've produced 25k of loaded rounds with my 550B. If this place would ever get above 30 degrees I may get a chance to shoot what I have stockpiled and get a chance to load again.
Also on breakage. I have to agree that most of what broke on the 550B has been through my error. The only thing that actually broke on it's own is a nylon bushing in the powder measure. Not sure what this does but if it cracks as mine did you'll notice powder leaking. Also had 1 occasion where the powder measure quit feeding. Dillon told me to clean it. I did and it has been fine since.
I believe for the most part that any of the progressives are decent quality. Some such as the cheaper made Lee units may not last as long though, but while they do they work good enough.
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Shooterdean
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| Posted: March 26 2005 at 2:15pm | IP Logged
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Joed,
The 1050 is great, it is a serious high volume reloader. I went in with two other guys to purchase it, all we load on it is 40 smith and 45 auto, but we shoot a truckload of it between the three of us. Caliber changes are not that bad,(conversion kits are pricey), it takes about 15 mins to change from 40 to 45. That is not bad since I usually take about 10 mins to change my 650 to another caliber, never rush and look at everything twice. I bought a 450B back in 1986, thatwas my first progressive, have owned a Lee Pro 1000, its ok for low volume shooters but for the money I would buy a Square Deal if I had to do it over again. RCBS makes good stuff, but I like the full auto action of the 650 and 1050 over anything I've used so far.
Dean
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Paul Tummers
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| Posted: July 08 2007 at 5:57am | IP Logged
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Iam living in the Netherlands, which is not next doors to neither RCBS and Dillon.
Dillons claims a no BS warranty, RCBS does not.
I own a Dillon XL 650, set up to load .222Rem.(With RCBS dies, because Dillon does not make them)
I also own a RCBS 2000, set up to load .308 Winch.
The electric case feeder on the Dillon did not work properly from the first minute on;
With nothing in the case-funnel the major part of the cases come into the feeder tube upside down, with the white nylon block in the funnel, no cases upside down in the feeder tube, but the ones who would have come upside down are now either thrown out and land on the floor, or stick out the feeder plate and block the feeder plate movement.
I bought my RCBS 2000 second hand from a friend who had to give up shooting due to a serious illness.
He mentioned, he screw up the APS feeding system by having his grandson playing with it;The APS retaining hooks were broken off, the strip did not automatically advance anymore, and the primer seater stem was seriously bent.
For both cases I send a mail to the maker of the press.
Dillon offered to send the parts necessary to have a brand new press function the way it should at no material costs, but at a shipping rate of $25.00, remember, no BS Warranty.
RCBS sent a mail,I had to wait a few days for final approval, and after 3 days they sent another mail: Parts are in the mail!
Within a week I got a box delivered to my door, in it 2 new primer seaters(Large + small rifle),The complete disc holding plate with a APS feeder installed + some extra parts for the new model APS feeder.
RCBS does not claim any no BS warranty-they have a truly no BS warranty!!
This also is something to keep in mind when choosing for a certain brand of press.
Kind Regards,
Paul Tummers.
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Placitas Slim
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| Posted: July 08 2007 at 1:54pm | IP Logged
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For those of you with the Pro2000 that are having problems with the spent primer tube, I replaced the decap rod in my dies with the Pow'r Punch Decap Rod and those problems went away. 
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Paul Tummers
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| Posted: July 08 2007 at 2:20pm | IP Logged
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Placitas Slim wrote:
| For those of you with the Pro2000 that are having problems with the spent primer tube, I replaced the decap rod in my dies with the Pow'r Punch Decap Rod and those problems went away. |
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I sometimes had some "Obstipation"problem in the primer tube, but as a pipe smoker I went to a tobacconist and bought a package of pipe cleaners for the so called church-warden pipes, which are 12 inch long, took the tube out and cleaned it from both sides with the cleaners soaked in lighter fluid.It works well for me.
I was really surprised about the amount of debris which was accumulated in that tube!
Regards,
Paul Tummers.
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Paul Tummers
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| Posted: June 15 2008 at 12:25am | IP Logged
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Yesterday I spent a couple of hours upgrading my 2000 to a real progressive press and I must say that everything I got for the money was well worth it; I got some distance bars to allow safe working while installing/adjusting the cams, the cam plates, and a new unit with the pushing lever and APS- system readily installed.
After installing and fine adjusting I put some grease on the friction surfaces of the cams and I am impressed by the way this thing works, hardly any extra force needed in operating the press, no noises, just a decent click when the spring loaded ball locks the shell-holder plate one station ahead!
I hope, next there will be a case-feeder to attach and the Dillon 650 has another real serious competitor in the market besides the Hornady press.
Regards,
Paul Tummers.
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Jonah
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| Posted: June 15 2008 at 5:11am | IP Logged
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Paul,
I assume that you got the auto index feature for the Pro 2000. Is that correct?
I asked RCBS for the manual so that I could really get a look at the upgrade, but at the time I asked, I guess it was to soon after the release because they did not have the manual posted on the site nor one to send to me.
Sounds like you had no trouble with the installation and that everything is working properly.
You mentioned the APS system. Is anything changed on that?
Where did you purchase the upgrade?
Thanks,
Lionel
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Handloads.Com Forum : General Discussion
Topic: RCBS Pro 2000 at 150,000 Rounds,
